At the invitational, Mepham also recognizes athletes with award presentations. The Coach Hughes Memorial Award was named for the long-time Mepham track coach Gerry Hughes. He suffered from ALS before he died in 2010. Senior runners write an essay to be considered for the award, which is formally presented at the Varsity M dinner later in the spring.

More than 1,000 spectators attended the Limmer meet, Frazer said. They had the opportunity to sample donated food and goods from businesses like the Bellmore Bagel Café and Madison’s Smoothies in North Bellmore.

Frazer said he is grateful for the help local sponsors offered, in addition to the work of Mepham head custodian Gino DiClemente and parents of runners, past and present. He was also pleased that his team showed they could excel both on and off the track by hosting the invitational.

“The overall effort of the day was really outstanding,” he said. “They performed at much higher level, showing responsibility.”